On-Board Microgrids for the More Electric Aircraft—Technology Review

Abstract

This paper presents an overview of technology related to on-board microgrids for the More Electric Aircraft. All aircraft use an isolated system, where security of supply and power density represent the main requirements. Different distribution systems (AC and DC) and voltage levels coexist, and power converters have the central role in connecting them with high reliability and high power density. Ensuring the safety of supply with a limited redundancy is one of the targets of the system design, since it allows increasing the power density. This main challenge is often tackled with proper load management and advanced control strategies, as highlighted in this paper.

Electrical Machines and Power Electronics For Starter-Generators in More Electric Aircrafts: A Technology Review

“…For instance, the use of an indirect matrix converter is proposed in [33]. These considerations argue in favour of including the high voltage dc bus (HVDC) [6]. Table I summarizes the merits and demerits of the most relevant bidirectional PEC interfaces suitable for S/G applications.…”

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“…The EM winding may have higher number of phases than 3 for the sake of higher redundancy or even efficiency [4]. whereas [10] compares efficiency and total harmonic distortion (THD) of current in 22 PEC PMSM arrangements, [11] explores deeper into aircraft on-board microgrids including control and distinguishes safety oriented performance optimized research topics between device level and system level as realization oriented and power/energy management related research. As an advantage, high power EM PEC topologies in wind power industry [12] and in DC microgrid arrangement [13] give good insight to aircraft EDS EPS development.…”

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“…B787, A350 and A380). This voltage level is obtained from the main 115/230 V AC variable frequency distribution, through the use of an auto-transformer rectifier unit [2,10]. The project's objective was to preliminary identify the optimal system-level configuration, including the identification and design of the PEC and of the EM.…”